9. Can technology drive collaborative design‪?‬ Thinking Through Design

Tomás Dorta sits down with host Adam Fromme in this episode of Thinking through Design. Their conversation dives into the collaborative essence of design, emphasizing empathy, active participation, and shared ownership. They explore the evolution of ideas through dialogue and negotiation, advocating for inclusive approaches and collective authorship. They discuss how technology can prompt awareness of nuances, like the rhythm of a conversation, to foster collaboration. This underscores design's transformative potential in addressing complex societal challenges and fostering understanding. Ultimately, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of collaboration in shaping a shared world through design.



Tomás Dorta is a leading figure known for his pioneering research in integrating new technologies into the design process. With a background in architecture and design, he earned his Ph.D. in 2001, focusing on virtual reality's role in design visualization. His research, funded by Canadian federal and provincial grants, is widely published and presented internationally. As an educator, he is a Full Professor at Université de Montréal's School of Design, teaching courses on design research, co-design, and industrial design. He's also an Affiliate Professor at Pennsylvania State University. Tomás has served on editorial boards for top journals and founded the Design Research Laboratory Hybridlab in 2008. In 2016, he co-founded the startup Systèmes Hybridlab, where he serves as president, focusing on innovative design technologies.